Ken Young owns the Lightning’s AHL affiliate in Norfolk, Va., but lately he said he has been more like a fan. It all came pouring out of Young on Sunday after the Admirals won their 18th straight game –- 5-0 over Charlotte –- to set the single-season AHL record.

“It’s been amazing,” said Young, 61, a Tampa resident who has owned the team for eight years. “The pride that all of us have. It’s just neat to have something like that take place. It ranks at the top with the fun I’ve had on the hockey side.”

Norfolk (45-18-3), the AHL’s No. 1 team, needs one more victory to set the overall record. Syracuse won 18 straight over two seasons -- 15 to end 2007-08 and three to open 2008-09.

Young, in Tampa for a Minor League Baseball board of trustees meeting – he owns four teams – watched on his computer as Norfolk beat Charlotte.

Cory Conacher, with an AHL-best 34 goals, scored twice. Richard Panik had a goal and two assists and Tyler Johnson a goal and an assist. Jaroslav Janus’ 20 saves made it all stand up.

Young said he will be in Norfolk for Friday’s game against Albany.

“It’s real exciting,” he said. “I’m just like every other fan. I have the pride of those fans.”